California PI Cases by Defendant Type
Different defendants come with different liability frameworks. A TNC case (Uber, Lyft) runs on Period 0/1/2/3 coverage tiers. A USPS case runs on the Federal Tort Claims Act. A premises case turns on the notice doctrine. Each page covers the specific framework that controls.
Rideshare & TNC
3 defendant types
Uber
Transportation Network Company (TNC) governed by California's PUC Section 5430 et seq. Liability layered into Periods 0, 1, 2, 3 with progressively larger coverage triggers.
Lyft
Same California TNC framework as Uber but distinct corporate posture on claim handling. Pink-mustache-era practices long gone; modern claim handling more aggressive on liability defense.
Scooter Share
Dockless e-scooter operators with complex multi-party liability — operator, rider, road condition, manufacturer. California Vehicle Code amendments (AB 1096) created specific scooter rules.
Delivery & Freight
4 defendant types
Amazon Delivery
Amazon contracts with Delivery Service Partner (DSP) companies whose drivers operate Amazon-branded vans. Liability runs through both the DSP and Amazon itself under California's recent contractor-liability case law.
UPS
Private commercial carrier subject to standard California tort law plus federal motor carrier regulations. Substantial insurance coverage; driver-employer status preserved (not 1099/DSP model).
FedEx
FedEx Ground operates a contractor model (Independent Service Providers); FedEx Express uses direct employees. Liability path differs based on which division was involved.
Trucking Company
FMCSA-regulated motor carriers transporting freight. Substantial federal compliance overlay (hours-of-service, ELD, drug testing). Driver-employer respondeat superior plus direct corporate negligence theories.
Government Entities
3 defendant types
USPS
Federal entity — claims proceed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, not California state tort law. Administrative claim required first; six-month deadline absolute. Distinct procedural framework from state claims.
City Bus
LA Metro, AC Transit, MUNI, SamTrans, and other public transit agencies. Six-month Government Claims Act notice required. Common carrier duty (Civil Code § 2100) elevates the standard of care.
CHP / Government
California Highway Patrol, Caltrans vehicles, and other state-employee operators. Government Claims Act applies. Special governmental-immunity defenses available in emergency-response cases.
Tech / Autonomous Vehicles
1 defendant type
Premises & Other
4 defendant types
Rental Car
Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, etc. Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106) shields owners from vicarious liability — but negligent maintenance, negligent entrustment, and rental-driver liability remain.
Premises Owner
Retail stores, restaurants, hotels, gyms, apartment complexes. Premises liability under Rowland's multifactorial test. Notice element typically determines case outcome.
Dog Owner
California Civil Code § 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites in public places or where the victim was lawfully on private property. No 'one bite' rule applies.
Construction Contractor
General and subcontractors operating on California work sites. Privette doctrine limits hirer liability for contractor employees but exceptions exist. Third-party claimant rules differ.
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